Question

Given below are two statements; one is labelled as Assertion (A) and the other is labelled as Reason (R).

1. Assertion (A): The Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee took up the eradication of untouchability as part of its programme and started Vaikkom Satyagraha in 1924.
2. Reason (R): The Vaikkom Satyagraha created enthusiasm all over India, and an Akali jatha arrived in Vaikkom from Punjab.

In the context of the above two statements, which one of the following is correct?

• A. Both (A) and (R) are true, and (R) is the correct explanation of (A)
• B. Both (A) and (R) are true, but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A)
• C. (A) is true, but (R) is false
• D. (A) is false, but (R) is true

Answer 1

Answer:

B. Both (A) and (R) are true, but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A)

Vaikom Satyagraha (1924-1925)

• Initiation and Context: The Vaikom Satyagraha was a landmark non-violent agitation organized by the Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) to protest against the denial of entry to lower-caste Hindus on the temple roads of Vaikom. It officially commenced on March 30, 1924.
• National Significance: The movement gained nationwide attention and support, drawing leaders like Mahatma Gandhi, C. Rajagopalachari, and E.V. Ramaswami Naicker (Periyar) to the forefront.
• External Support: The moral and logistical support extended beyond Kerala. An Akali jatha (a group of Sikh volunteers) travelled all the way from Punjab to Vaikom to provide food and support to the satyagrahis, highlighting the solidarity and national dimension of the anti-untouchability struggle.
• Key Leaders: Prominent leaders associated with the movement include T.K. Madhavan (who moved the resolution on untouchability in the Kakinada session of the INC in 1923), K.P. Kesava Menon, and George Joseph.
• Outcome: After 603 days of struggle, an agreement was reached, and the government opened three of the four roads surrounding the Vaikom temple to all castes. This movement is considered a significant precursor to the Temple Entry Proclamation of 1936.